Body of missing Wisconsin grad student found in Mississippi River
La Crosse police said they were notified that "a body had been located" on the morning of July 23, three days after anyone had last seen or heard from Heinz. Heinz was recovered in the river near Brownsville, Minnesota, a few miles south of La Crosse, where she was last spotted.
According to a news release from the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, "police are continuing to investigate and will await the results of an autopsy for an official cause of death. The entire department sends their condolences."
The 22-year-old who was reported missing on Sunday, July 20, was last seen leaving Bronco's Bar in La Crosse, a city near the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, about 150 miles southeast of Minneapolis, at around 2:30 a.m. local time.
'This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search. Our thoughts are with Eliotte's family, friends and all those who knew Eliotte," La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron said in a statement. "We are grateful for the outpouring of support from so many within the La Crosse community, the State of Wisconsin and nationally to locate Eliotte."
Viterbo University: 'We are heartbroken by this loss'
Viterbo University, where Heinz was studying mental health counseling, said in a statement that they, like the Heinz family, the La Crosse community, and all who knew and loved Eliotte, were mourning her "tragic passing."
"We are heartbroken by this loss and extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends," the school's statement says.
The statement continued: "We are especially grateful to the La Crosse Police Department for their tireless efforts and to the many community members who showed up with compassion by searching, sharing information, offering prayers, and providing food, water, and comfort during the most difficult of days. Your outpouring of love reflects the very best Viterbo, our La Crosse community, and beyond."
Viterbo University plans to hold a memorial service for Heinz in the fall, in coordination with her family, once students return to campus for the new school year.
'There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so young, with so much life ahead of her," Viterbo University President Dr. Rick Trietley said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to Eliotte's family. We hold them in our prayers and stand with them in their grief."
Where was Eliotte Heinz last seen?
Heinz was last seen walking south on the 500 block of Front Street South around 3:22 a.m. local time on July 20, La Crosse police said.
Authorities, along with Heinz's family and friends, made several attempts to locate her with no success, according to the department.
Heinz's family, friends and Viterbo University called on the public to share information or footage that could help locate her.
Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY; and David Clarey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Body of Eliotte Heinz, missing Wisconsin grad student, found
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